The simplest and most obvious cause which can there be assigned for any phenomena, is probably the true one.

Mankind are always found prodigal both of blood and treasure in the maintenance of public justice.

The more instances we examine, and the more care we employ, the more assurance shall we acquire, that the enumeration, which we form from the whole, is complete and entire.

To philosopher and historian the madness and imbecile wickedness of mankind ought to appear ordinary events.

For my part, when I enter most intimately into what I call myself, I always stumble on some particular perception or other, of heat or cold, light or shade, love or hatred, pain or pleasure. I never can catch myself at any time without a perception, and never can observe anything but the perception.

The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst.

Eloquence, when in its highest pitch, leaves little room for reason or reflection.